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Lotus' Web distribution plans get thumbs down from users

by Gavin Clarke, Computing

Users have voiced concern over plans by Lotus to distribute software upgrades using Web-based 'push' technology.

Lotus plans to deploy software by the end of the year that automatically sends software upgrades to customers' machines.

Other vendors allow users to download software using dial-up or file transfer protocol (FTP) - at their own request.

The strategy, with deployment expected by the end of the year, marks a massive beefing up of Lotus' software distribution.

The company has already automated deployment of updates to Notes from servers within an organisation through its Domino Broadcast product. This latest move reflects last year's alliances with manufacturers of so-called push technology.

Users and analysts have expressed concern at the latest move by Lotus, which has yet to specify the push technology supplier it will be using.

City of London brokers' settlement house Pershing, which downloads software and fixes from non-Lotus sites, said the move would not open up clients to the outside world.

Telecomms manager Paul O'Sullivan said: "I don't see any sane IT director allowing an outside organisation to log on to either a client or a key mail server and copy their software on to it."

Clive Longbottom, senior strategy consultant with CSL consulting, advises users to ensure downloads are delivered to a server that is not on the main network. "Updates can then be controlled by an applications manager," he said.

Lotus admits that areas still to be tackled include verifying software sender identity, and deciding to where software should be downloaded.

Lotus is also piloting use of satellites to deliver software without the need to buy applications on CD-Rom.